Harry is a gifted musician rising to fame in post-war London. In the heady 1950s London Jazz scene, he falls in love with - and hastily marries- a young socialite, Caroline.

Caroline suffers a violent sexual assault, but she feels ashamed and unable to confide in anyone. Under the weight of this secret, the nascent marriage fails.

The novel then follows the couple’s separate lives into the next generation, where the effects of damaged relationships, misunderstanding and betrayed trust are still felt.

Time passes, and they appear settled in their lives when the truth is revealed in an unexpected way and with surprising consequences.